WA premier puts up with Lib MP's barbs

WEST Australian Premier Colin Barnett says he has to put up with a jilted veteran MP within his own party who has pledged to be a "watchdog" in government and repeatedly criticises the Liberal leader.

Rob Johnson, the member for Hillarys who was axed as police minister in June, on Tuesday referred to a senior public servant who suddenly found himself out of a job - despite being praised by the premier days earlier - saying praise from Mr Barnett was "the kiss of death".

Last month, the MP accused Mr Barnett of being dictatorial after he missed out on nomination for the coveted Speaker's role.

Mr Barnett has brushed off the comments, saying he has to put up with Mr Johnson's barbs for the next four years.

"It's not a major issue," he told reporters on Wednesday.

The premier said he expected Mr Johnson to get on with the job of representing his constituents and working within the Liberal government team.

"In the Liberal Party, you can have a right to speak out if you want to. I just say you've got to put your name to that," he said.

"I will not be distracted by these sorts of issues."

Mr Johnson had had a long and distinguished parliamentary career, but "he's had a good run", Mr Barnett said.

The MP was obviously disappointed with missing out on the Speaker's role, but the Liberal's nomination for someone else had been a parliamentary decision, the premier said.

"He's had a lot of success and I think that's recognised and appreciated - I do - but now it's a different stage in his career."

Mr Barnett said he was happy to have a private chat with Mr Johnson to work through the issues.

Treasurer Troy Buswell labelled Mr Johnson "Sideshow Rob", while Energy Minister Mike Nahan told him to "get real" after he warned in parliament that the state's AAA credit rating was at risk, and debt needed to be reined in.